It’s been quiet in the restaurant news department this month. Either the pace of new restaurants is slowing or I’m been derelict in my restaurant sleuthing duties.

Lending credibility to the derelict argument is the fact that I completely missed reporting on The Nest Cafe. This coffee and sandwich shop has been in the works for a while now, planning an opening at Alpharetta Lofts. They’ll join Real Chow Baby at the condo development on Canton Street. It’ll be interesting to see how restaurants do here considering it is a block or two off the Milton Avenue main drag. And while I hope both Mugs on Milton and Nest make it, I don’t think downtown Alpharetta can support two indy coffee joints.

Speaking of Mugs on Milton, their new Crabapple location is now open. Also coming to Crabapple is a second location for fishmonger Kathleen’s Catch. Their original location is on Medlock Bridge Road in Johns Creek.

Demolition has started on two projects that should bring new restaurants or perhaps a Starbucks or two. The former Tilted Kilt building on Windward will become a small stripmall with a Starbucks drive thru. And demo and grading has begun at The Atwater, a series of small shopping centers adjacent to Avalon. They’ve been tight lipped about the retailers and restaurants planned here, but something tells me Starbucks might make the list. Expect a new trend to emerge in town where the chain closes older stores in favor of these newer locations with drive-thru lanes.

We’re hearing rumors that another growler store closure may be imminent. I’m not ready to publish the name until the closure is confirmed. The implosion of the growler fad is nearly complete.

Restaurants Coming Soon

Donut Theory – Promising doughnut shop opening bear Bite on Kimball Bridge Road.Baldinos Giant Jersey Subs – Expect an opening very soon on Highway 9 in Milton.Ceviche Taqueria & Margarita Bar – Opening on Milton Avenue in downtown Alpharetta next to 2B Whole Bakery.Varasano’s Pizzeria - Coming to the back entrance of North Point Mall. Opening delayed to Spring 2016.Salsarita’s Fresh Cantina – Also delayed or stalled. Announced opening on Windward in the former Uncle Maddio’s space.The Real Chow Baby – Stir fry joint coming soon to downtown Alpharetta.Windward Tavern – Building in the former Cinco’s on McGinnis Ferry near Publix.Moctezuma Mexican Grill – Mexican concept to open in Milton in the original Bobby G’s location.Tacos on the Run – Small taco restaurant on Jordan Court near Costco.Black Walnut Grill – New free-standing restaurant to be built at Windward and North Point.Anabella’s Table – Mom and pop French joint coming to the former Cosmic Deli location on Windward. Expect another slow buildout.Flavor Juicery – Juice bar opening near Bite on Kimball Bridge.

7 Responses to “Alpharetta Restaurant News – August 2015”

I haven’t seen anything on here about it, but Anchor’s on Mansell has apparently been closed since June 1st. And that was the mystery location that was for sale a month ago.

And for those that don’t like spending $50 for ice cream and then standing outside a Brusters, there is a Baskin Robbins opening at Hwy 9 and Mansell in the same strip center as the new Sprouts. Don’t get all foodie on me, some folks like simple ice cream with multiple flavors and a place to sit, INSIDE.

I always think I’m “in the know” because I read (and really enjoy and appreciate) your Friday column. So, imagine my surprise when I drove by the former BB’s location over on State Bridge Road near the McDonald’s and the Saddlebrook Kroger (and there was an ill-fated burrito place there for five minutes) and saw a Flying Biscuit Cafe sign! Looks like they’re opening another location there. Just wanted to let you know what I know

Travis- I agree with you about Bruster’s. Not worth going to if the only seats are a few benches OUTSIDE the store in the heat. However, Baskin Robbins taste horrible!!!! I wish that Gorin’s was still around.

What we really need is for Ben and Jerry’s to come back. The shop on Windward was the best ice cream place around, with some flavors I don’t see often stocked in the grocery store, like Bananas on the Rum. They also had free ice cream day for charity at Ben and Jerry’s, which none of the other stores even try to do. It was a good location, usually busy, and seemed to be doing well with patrons from the other restaurants coming in for an after dinner treat. I wonder why they had to close.